Rain or Shine looking for 6-5 import who can play big in PBA Governors' Cup

COMMISSIONER’S Cup champion Rain or Shine is hoping to find a 6-foot-5 import that can effectively play center for the Painters in the PBA Governors Cup.

Assistant coach Caloy Garcia said they already have three players in mind, not exactly meeting their criteria, but two have the advantage of having played in the PBA. He declined to reveal their identities.

“May mga choices na kami,” Garcia said during the thanksgiving dinner of Freego for the Rain or Shine squad on Tuesday.

“We have three choices as of now.”

“’Yung dalawa naglaro na dito pero hindi ko pa mabigay ’yung pangalan kasi one guy played in Japan. So between the three, mahirap pa ’yung choices because we are looking for an import who can fill the spot of Pierre (6-foot-8 Henderson Niles). We are looking at an import na 6-5 who can play the big,” he said.

The top eight teams from the previous conference can only field imports 6 feet 5 and shorter, while there is no limit for the bottom four clubs.

Although not an exact fit to their needs, Garcia said the Painters like the two imports mainly because they can deliver the numbers.

“’Yung mga balik import, tinitignan pa namin because they are both high scorers. Ang problema is they play the wing. We are looking at options that we can fill the 5-spot,” said Garcia.

Rain or Shine originally had planned to bring in Wendell McKines, who played for the Elastopainters last year but is unavailable for the July opening of the Governors’ Cup.

“The only problem is he can’t commit yet because sa China kinukuha siya and at the same time, may tryout sa Korea mid-July. Mahirap ‘yung situation,” said Garcia.